Arsenal legend Martin Keown had harsh words for midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international was to blame for conceding a penalty in the first half against Tottenham after a rash challenge.

Many fans felt it was an amateur effort from Xhaka, given the circumstances that led to his foul.

Mentioning Xhaka column for the Daily Mail, Keown wrote: "Granit Xhaka is so bad at tackling that Arsene Wenger once admitted he had told the £35 million midfielder not to bother anymore.

"I would encourage him not to tackle, to stay on his feet,' Wenger said, and what we witnessed against Tottenham was classic Xhaka.

"He gifted the visitors their spot-kick by sliding in on Son Heung-min, right under referee Martin Atkinson's nose. Did he really think that would end well? Then his constant fouling interrupted Arsenal's flow.

"The hosts lost momentum because he kept breaking up play. This is what Xhaka does. He is like a fire engine that turns up and discovers the house has already burned down – he's that late!

"He does more damage than good when it comes to tackling, so no wonder Wenger told him to stop trying. I suspect Xhaka may be on borrowed time in this team. He could soon find himself behind others in the pecking order."